The incident, which occurred between the wall separating the former Akasanoma Factory and the Cocoa Processing Factory, took place at about 3:30 p.m.

The Fire Officer for the Tema Metropolitan Area, Mr William Abeka Blankson, in an interview with the Daily Graphic , said initial information picked indicated that the explosion was sparked by a leakage from the gas pipeline, and that in the course of the inferno, a high tension electric cable fell on the deceased.

He said the initial response saw the deployment of two fire engines from the metropolis; one tender each from the Ashaiman, Tema Industrial Area and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority were dispatched to the scene, while a number of security personnel were posted to the scene to maintain law and order.

Officials said the leakage started about 10 in the morning and people rushed to the area, taking advantage to scoop fuel until the disaster struck.